As Curaçao prepares to celebrate 100 years of Shiprepair on the island in 2026, the maritime sector is entering a new era of opportunity. With strong backing from the Prime Minister and key ministries, the government has named the Dok–BuskaBaai zone as the heart of a future-ready maritime, industrial, and circular economy, a clear signal that Curaçao is ready to anchor its economic renewal in the sea that surrounds us.

This direction aligns with national policy and the Landspakket goals: strengthening our economy, boosting resilience and increasing execution power. CMAR plays a leading role as the sector’s convener, while the Minister of Economic Development steers alignment across ministries and with maritime partners.

Introducing the Programmatische Maritieme Tafel (PMT)

The newly launched PMT brings together government, public companies, and private sector partners, including CPA, CDM-Holding, Blue Harbour City, Buskabaai N.V., 2BAYS N.V. and CMAR members, under one programmatic framework. It’s a big step forward in bridging fragmentation: with shared discussions on permitting, infrastructure, investments and clustering of innovation across circular industry, logistics and maritime services.

Agustin Diaz Jr., CEO of CDM-Holding and chair of the PMT working group, leads the charge from the sector’s side. With ministerial presence at the table, decisions are expected to move faster and be more future-oriented.

Environmental Standards & New Port Capacity

A modern maritime cluster must meet modern standards. Curaçao’s commitment to MARPOL compliance, with Falcon International B.V. as a key player in waste oil and bilgewater processing, enhances the island’s credibility and opens doors to expansion in ship repair, cruise, circular economy and innovation.

The Dok–BuskaBaai zone will welcome a mix of anchor tenants and forward-facing industries, including Damen/CDM for heavy repair, Curinde for logistics and trade, BuskaBaai N.V. for circular development, Falcon for environmental tech and Blue Harbour City for SME and innovation growth. The plan includes potential re-opening of the Bay of Buska to improve ecological quality and water circulation.

This vision sets the stage for new international partnerships, including technical know-how, EU funding, research and investment from the Netherlands and beyond.

Sector Voices

Minister Roderick Middelhof: “By working together with our companies, public partners, and international stakeholders, we are building a modern maritime cluster that connects industrial growth, innovation, and circular development. This is the beginning of a new economic reality for Curaçao.”

Minister Charles Cooper, responsible for CPA: “A future-proof port is essential for a strong maritime cluster. Through spatial planning and targeted port development, we support the growth of the Dok–BuskaBaai area and the new economic opportunities it brings.”

Agustin Diaz Jr., PMT Chair and CEO of CDM-Holding: “The PMT will actively engage with the international maritime and industrial market to identify concrete requirements, investor interest, and proven demand. This outside-in approach ensures that new projects are developed from the ground up, directly aligned with market needs and designed for long-term viability. Combined with the shipyard’s ongoing modernization and the reopening of BuskaBaai to the sea, this development will deliver a powerful boost to Curaçao’s maritime sector, including an expansion of port capacity of no less than 30%.”

This past year, CMAR has steadily evolved into a more visible, connected and proactive voice for the maritime sector in Curaçao. While much of the work happened behind the scenes, the results are starting to ripple outward, from sharper public storytelling to stronger partner engagement and a renewed commitment to shaping the maritime conversation locally and regionally. CMAR also introduced a new board member, Nicole Chirino, Managing Director of NACH B.V., who specializes in Change Management and Sustainable Development.

Anchored in Dialogue

2025 began with a series of conversations: member interviews, internal reflection and external networking. Throughout the year, we featured diverse voices from the maritime world, including Clifford Neuman of Curaçao Yacht Agency, Urvin Inocente, Sau Bridgewater-Chong and Sem Ayoubi of Curaçao Ports Authority, Sander Rijsdijk of 2BAYS, Rozanne Messchendorp of Bluewater Marine and Corinne and Kristy Senior of Motoren Revisie Curaçao (MRC) a family-run business led by mother and daughter, offering a glimpse into the people and companies powering our island’s maritime operations.

In March, CMAR hosted its Annual General Meeting, inviting members to weigh in on the organization’s evolving role. In May, we celebrated Curaçao’s role in regional networking, with participation in the Curaçao Shipping Association’s regional AGM, building stronger ties across the Caribbean and exploring shared challenges and innovations.

Celebrating Our Sector

On World Seafarers Day, we paid tribute to the dedicated professionals who keep Curaçao connected to the world. A simple but important reminder of the island’s maritime heartbeat.

In September, World Maritime Day was celebrated under the IMO’s theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” As part of the week’s events, CPA hosted three days of school visits to Mathey Wharf, introducing over 460 students to maritime careers through hands-on demos and interaction with stakeholders such as CPO, KTK, Damen, MRC, Curoil and others.

On the official day, CMAR welcomed members to a networking evening at the Maritime Museum, featuring reflections from guest writer Marius Bremmer and Jan Sierhuis, director of the Maritime Authority Curaçao, who spoke about Curaçao’s role in combating shadow fleets operating under Curaçaoan false flags.

Strengthening Regional Ties

In June, Curaçao hosted the PMAC 2025 Conference, bringing together Caribbean leaders around the theme “Navigating Change through Human Capital and Data-Driven Transformation.” Nicole Chirino, CMAR board member, took part in the panel “Humanization: Human Resource Sustainability,” contributing perspectives from Curaçao on workforce development, safety culture and the need to future-proof the maritime sector through inclusive hiring and ongoing training. CMAR’s presence helped raise the island’s profile as a serious player in shaping human capital strategies across the region.

Laying the Groundwork for 2026

As the year ends, CMAR is investing in more structure behind the scenes. A new communications strategy was finalized, guiding how CMAR will communicate its values, amplify its members, and build long-term credibility with partners. Strategic dialogues with CPA, ministries and international associations are growing.

With the launch of the Programmatische Maritieme Tafel (PMT), a new collaboration platform between ministries, public companies, and CMAR members, the groundwork is being laid for Curaçao’s next maritime era. At the heart of this strategy is the Dok–BuskaBaai zone, now positioned as a key engine for circular industry, innovation and sustainable port development.

Message from the Board

As we reflect on 2025, we recognize a quiet but powerful shift: CMAR is becoming more than an association. This year, we focused on deepening trust with our members, clarifying our role in the maritime world and laying the foundation for bolder collaborations.

Some of our most meaningful accomplishments include the strengthening of collaboration between stakeholders, a clear communications strategy and our contribution to regional maritime dialogue, especially through the PMAC conference and CSA engagements. We also celebrated important days together, not just to mark the calendar, but to strengthen our shared identity.

Looking ahead, the community can expect a more proactive and connected CMAR. We are preparing new initiatives focused on safety innovation, digital transformation and industry partnerships that unlock new value for our members. We invite everyone to stay close, get involved and help shape the direction of Curaçao’s maritime future — together.